Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay in Carrboro, NC: $21.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a pharmacy technician working in Carrboro, NC runs $21.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,651 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-2052). Weighted against Carrboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,792 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carrboro, North Carolina, the pharmacy technician hourly pay is projected to be $21.47 in 2026, slightly lower than the national median of $23.19. This hourly rate means that a part-time pharmacy technician working three days a week, typically covering about 24 hours, can expect to take home a steady income while balancing professional and personal commitments. The hourly range extends from $17.16 at the entry-level up to $26.29 for top earners, indicating that there are opportunities for growth in the field. Pharmacy technicians often find employment in diverse environments, including retail pharmacy counters, hospital IV pharmacies, and specialty compounding settings. The data used to estimate these figures is derived from annual salary projections, reflecting the increasing demand for pharmacy technicians particularly due to the industry's evolution in response to recent healthcare needs.
About the Carrboro Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($38,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.16 | $137.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.95 | $151.58 |
| Median (P50) | $21.47 | $171.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $22.44 | $179.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $26.29 | $210.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carrboro
Based on $21.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.47/hr, a pharmacy technician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carrboro, NC can expect to earn approximately $44,653 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,761. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carrboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carrboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $858.70 | $3,721 | $44,653 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $515.22 | $2,233 | $26,792 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $343.48 | $1,488 | $17,861 |
Compare CPhT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Pharmacy Technician (Carrboro) | $21.47 |
| Medical Assistant (National Avg) | $20.14 |
| Dental Assistant (National Avg) | $21.29 |
| Phlebotomist (National Avg) | $20.36 |
| Registered Nurse (National Avg) | $42.80 |
Pharmacy Technicians in Carrboro, NC earn a median of $44,651 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.44% lower than the national median of $48,239 and 5.70% below the North Carolina state average of $47,350.
Pharmacy Technician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.47/hr = $26,792/year (purchasing power: $28,623).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,653/year (purchasing power: $47,706).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$15.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Pharmacy Technicians in Carrboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 5.44% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $15.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $15.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $16.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Carrboro grew 34.8% from $15.11/hr (2019) to $20.36/hr (2025). At a 5.44% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.64/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem pharmacy technicians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carrboro metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 5.44% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Pharmacy Technician in Carrboro
For those considering part-time roles, a pharmacy technician in Carrboro working 24 hours a week could earn approximately $25,000 to $27,000 annually, a respectable figure compared to full-time technicians. Per-diem and agency pharmacy technicians commonly see pay rates ranging from $20 to $32 per hour, while specialized roles, such as those in sterile compounding at hospitals, often command even higher rates, from $25 to $40 an hour. Variability exists depending on the employer type in Carrboro, with retail chains offering lower hourly rates but benefits, while specialized pharmacies may provide higher pay without benefits. For many, the decision between lower hourly rates with healthcare coverage versus higher wages without benefits can heavily influence job choices. Negotiation for hourly workers can be crucial; being aware of statewide industry standards and citing them during discussions may lead to favorable outcomes. As pharmacy technicians navigate the local job market, understanding the nuances of compensation and roles will better prepare them for career advancement.
More salary data for Carrboro, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for pharmacy technicians in Carrboro in 2026?
How much do part-time pharmacy technicians make in Carrboro?
Are pharmacy technicians in Carrboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time pharmacy technician make per year in Carrboro?
Do pharmacy technicians earn more per hour working part-time in Carrboro?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 5.44% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for pharmacy technicians in Carrboro. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carrboro is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.44%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for pharmacy technicians (SOC 29-2052).
Compiled and verified by Emily Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov